ine to you? When you have obeyed my commands I will see that you
enter the service of Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the
bonbons shall never fail."

Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! at
last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony.

The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay awake all night
weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover some way to escape
from the power of the wicked queen; but the certainty of the queen's
bitter revenge if he refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope
of rescuing Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some
powerful fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to obey the
queen.

In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little carriage and
entered it for a drive, after having embraced the king her father and
promised him to return in two hours.

The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting, turned the ostriches
away from the Forest of Lilacs. When, however, they were entirely out of
sight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards the
grating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad and
silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.

"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are you
ill, Gourmandinet?"

"No, my princess, I am well."

"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and I
promise to do all in my power to make you happy."

Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heart
of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by the
wicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Before
he had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of
Lilacs.

"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant--how
delicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my good
papa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superb
branches."

"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with you
during my absence."

"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to the
palace."

"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having abandoned
you, princess. It is best that you go yourself and gather your flowers."

"That is true. I should be very sorry to get you a scolding, my poor
Gourmandinet."

While saying these words she sprang lightly fro